Drugs for Gallstones

Gallstones can be treated with oral medications to dissolve the stones. Commonly used drugs include ursodeoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, and antispasmodics and analgesics. However, drug treatment is only suitable for some patients with early small cholesterol stones and needs to be used for a long time and under the guidance of a doctor.

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a common drug used to dissolve cholesterol stones. It mainly reduces or dissolves stones by reducing the cholesterol content in bile. It is suitable for patients with normal gallbladder function and small stone diameter. Chenodeoxycholic acid is similar to ursodeoxycholic acid and can also reduce the formation of cholesterol stones, but it is often used as an auxiliary option for the latter. Antispasmodics and analgesics such as hyoscine or scopolamine hydrobromide can relieve the symptoms of acute biliary colic caused by stones and help patients improve their quality of life. If the drug effect is not obvious or the stones continue to grow, other treatments such as surgery may be a more effective option.

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a common drug used to dissolve cholesterol stones. It mainly reduces or dissolves stones by reducing the cholesterol content in bile. It is suitable for patients with normal gallbladder function and small stone diameter. Chenodeoxycholic acid is similar to ursodeoxycholic acid and can also reduce the formation of cholesterol stones, but it is often used as an auxiliary option for the latter. Antispasmodics and analgesics such as hyoscine or scopolamine hydrobromide can relieve the symptoms of acute biliary colic caused by stones and help patients improve their quality of life. If the drug effect is not obvious or the stones continue to grow, other treatments such as surgery may be a more effective option.

Drug treatment takes a long time and usually needs to be taken for 6 months to more than 2 years, and the effectiveness varies from person to person. Patients need regular physical examinations to dynamically evaluate changes in stones. Dietary conditioning is also very important. You should try to reduce high-cholesterol and high-fat diets and eat more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to help optimize bile secretion. Avoiding sitting for long periods of time and maintaining moderate exercise can also help prevent gallstones from worsening. If frequent and severe abdominal pain or jaundice occurs, you should seek medical attention in time to assess whether other interventions are needed, such as surgery or minimally invasive treatments.